H.R.1948 - An Act To authorize the International Boundary and Water Commission to accept funds for activities relating to wastewater treatment and flood control works, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1948 authorizes the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to accept funds from federal and non-federal entities for activities related to wastewater treatment, water conservation, and flood control projects along the U.S.-Mexico border. The funds will be deposited into the IBWC's Treasury account and used for studying, designing, constructing, operating, or maintaining related infrastructure. The bill places limitations on reimbursements to non-federal entities and restricts funding from entities associated with foreign countries of concern.
The IBWC is required to submit an annual report to relevant congressional committees detailing the activities carried out with the accepted funds and associated costs. This aims to provide transparency and oversight of the commission's activities.
Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the IBWC's capacity to address critical water management and infrastructure needs along the U.S.-Mexico border by leveraging external funding sources.
Expected Effects
This bill will enable the IBWC to receive and utilize funds from various sources to improve wastewater treatment and flood control infrastructure. This could lead to better water quality, reduced flood risks, and enhanced water conservation efforts in the border region.
However, the limitations on reimbursement and restrictions on funding sources may affect the scale and scope of projects undertaken. The reporting requirement ensures accountability and transparency in the use of funds.
Ultimately, the bill's impact will depend on the amount of funding received and the effectiveness of the IBWC in implementing the authorized activities.
Potential Benefits 4/5
- Improved wastewater treatment leading to cleaner water sources.
- Enhanced flood control measures reducing property damage and potential loss of life.
- Increased water conservation efforts promoting sustainable water management.
- Potential for economic benefits through infrastructure development and job creation.
- Strengthened cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico on shared water resources.
Potential Disadvantages
- The $5,000,000 limit on reimbursements to non-Federal entities may discourage private investment.
- Restrictions on funding from entities with ties to "foreign countries of concern" could limit available funding sources.
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in project implementation.
- Risk of funds being mismanaged or used for unauthorized purposes (though the reporting requirement mitigates this).
- Limited scope, as the bill focuses solely on the U.S.-Mexico border region.
Constitutional Alignment 5/5
The bill appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states. The bill's focus on international water management and infrastructure projects falls under this purview.
Additionally, the bill's provisions for oversight and reporting to congressional committees are consistent with Congress's constitutional role in overseeing the executive branch and appropriating funds. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
Therefore, the bill seems to operate within the constitutional framework established for the federal government.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to citizens. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).